Treffrey Deerfoot and the River Cree Singers

Oki, I am Treffrey Deerfoot, a fluent speaker and oral history storyteller of the Siksika (Blackfoot) People. In my past duties and responsibilities, I have acted as a primary liaison with legislative bodies in administration, personnel, finances and service delivery of programs for my people. Through education, I have developed strong oral and written skills, used to communicate effectively to shareholders, funding agencies, community groups and the media.
In 1990, I developed a multimedia enterprise to promote Aboriginal culture and heritage through stories, song and dance. I have travelled Europe, the U.S. and Eastern Canada to share our stories and songs. Recently, I completed four children’s storybooks, one of which is called Scare face, which I co-wrote with my late father.

The stories I share were passed on to me by my parents and grandparents, and also through the traditional ceremonial gatherings they hosted. Today, I participate in sun dances, pow wow dances and other traditional ceremonies. My grandparents have been a big influence in my life and taught me the medicine wheel and to share what we have learned with others. I feel that through working with Alberta Education and other agencies, an opportunity has been created to share the ways of my ancestors.

River Cree Singers:

Edmonton singer, Romero Waskahat; Edmonton singer, Terence Plante; Enoch singer, Gordon Ward; Enoch singer, Ralph Jesse Morin

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